License Mobility through Microsoft Software Assurance-2018
License Mobility through Microsoft Software Assurance – Overview
Organizations around the world are benefitting from the power, flexibility, and efficiency of cloud computing. Whether you want to deploy server applications in a traditional customer on- premises environment, through a partner or a Microsoft cloud-hosted model, or a combination of all three, Microsoft gives you the flexibility to choose what is right for you, on your terms and on your schedule.
License Mobility through Microsoft Software Assurance
With more businesses adopting Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), customers moving server workloads and applications to the cloud want to take advantage of their existing licensing investments as part of their IT strategy.
License Mobility through Microsoft Software Assurance gives Microsoft Volume Licensing customers the flexibility to deploy certain server applications with active Software Assurance on-premises or in the cloud, without having to buy additional licenses. As a result, customers can take advantage of the lowest and flexible cost infrastructure for changing business priorities.
Because of this new Software Assurance benefit, customers do not need to purchase new Microsoft Client Access Licenses (CALs), and no associated mobility fees exist.
Products eligible for License Mobility through Software Assurance
For specific Microsoft server products, License Mobility through Software Assurance gives customers enhanced flexibility. A customer can assign their application server licenses with active Software Assurance to run server instances on shared hardware via Microsoft Azure or a License Mobility through Software Assurance Partner’s data center. Although sharing hardware, such server instances (virtual machines) must be dedicated to a single customer and are not shared with other customers.
The list of eligible server applications includes Microsoft SQL Server database software, Microsoft Exchange Server, Microsoft SharePoint Server, Microsoft Skype for Business Server, Microsoft System Center servers, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Server for Customer Service and Sales applications. (Note: For SQL Server customers with core-based licensing and Software Assurance coverage, broader benefits are available under Azure Hybrid Benefit rights. For more
information, see Azure Hybrid Benefit. The steps described below do not apply to Azure Hybrid Benefit use.) The Windows Server operating system licenses remain assigned to customers’ on-premises hardware with their applicable
license terms. For additional information and a full list of eligible products, please refer to the Microsoft Product Terms.
Benefits of License Mobility
Flexibility
⇒ Increased flexibility to deploy workloads in a variety of cloud-hosting environments.
⇒ Customers can move Application Server workloads from on-premises to Authorized Mobility Partner’s IaaS or Microsoft Azure at any time without additional licensing.
Cost effectiveness
⇒ Take advantage of existing licensing investments when deploying to the cloud.
⇒ Capitalize on a lower-cost infrastructure platform and other value-added services provided by Microsoft Azure or an Authorized Mobility Partner (Service Provider).
⇒ Enhanced value through an additional Software Assurance benefit.
Manageability
⇒ Easier to adopt cloud hosting via existing Enterprise Agreement (EA) or Open Programs.
⇒ No need for additional Licensing or Agreement Terms to move to hosted Application Server workloads.
Step-by-step deployment overview
When deploying via License Mobility through Software Assurance, follow these simple steps:
1. Determine your license eligibility.
Decide which eligible products you want to deploy with Microsoft Azure or an Authorized Mobility Partner and how many licenses you require. Typically, the IT or procurement department in your organization can access the Microsoft licensing agreement details at http://www.microsoftvolumelicensing.com. For a list of eligible products, refer to the
Product Terms at http://www.microsoftvolumelicensing.com.
⇒ Active Software Assurance is required on all licenses for eligible products.
⇒ Where applicable, you must maintain appropriate Client Access Licenses (CALs) with active Software Assurance.
2. Choose a License Mobility through Software Assurance Partner.You may choose Microsoft Azure or an eligible Service Provider as a License Mobility through Software Assurance Partner. Find the list of partners at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/licensing-programs/software-assurance-license-mobility.aspx. Make sure the partner is a good match for your organization’s objectives and deployment plan.
3. Fill out a verification form.
Find the license verification form for your region at http://www.microsoftvolumelicensing.com/DocumentSearch.aspx.
The form asks you for your Agreement Number, Enrollment Number, and Software Assurance expiration date, so make sure that you have the information available.
Guidance for completing the form is at the License Mobility web page listed in step 2.
A new form is required if you add a product, renew Software Assurance, or switch Authorized Mobility Partners.
4. Submit the verification form to Microsoft.
Your Microsoft channel partner can help you fill out the form properly and submit it to Microsoft on your behalf.
5. Deploy your solution.
Work with your Authorized Mobility Partner to deploy the solution in their server farm.
You can deploy while you wait for confirmation from Microsoft on your eligibility for License Mobility.
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